CARBON COMPOUNDS
1. Introduction
Carbon compounds form an important part of our daily life. Carbon is present in food, fuels,
medicines, clothes, plastics, soaps and many other useful materials. The branch of chemistry
which deals with the study of carbon compounds is called Organic Chemistry. Carbon has a
unique ability to form a large number of compounds due to its tetravalency and catenation
property.
2. Unique Properties of Carbon
2.1 Tetravalency
Carbon has atomic number 6 and electronic configuration 2,4.
It has four valence electrons, hence it forms four covalent bonds to complete its octet.
Due to this property, carbon forms stable compounds with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine
and many other elements.
2.2 Catenation
Catenation is the ability of an element to bond with itself to form long chains, branched chains or
rings.
Carbon shows maximum catenation because of:
Small atomic size
Strong carbon–carbon bond
This property allows carbon to form millions of compounds.
3. Covalent Bonding
Carbon compounds mainly form covalent bonds.
A covalent bond is formed by sharing of electrons between atoms.
Characteristics of Covalent Compounds
Low melting and boiling points
Poor conductors of electricity
Generally insoluble in water
Soluble in organic solvents
Example: Methane (CH ),Ethanol (C H OH)
4. Allotropes of Carbon
Carbon exists in different forms called allotropes.
4.1 Crystalline Allotropes
Diamond
Hardest natural substance
Used in cutting tools and jewellery
Graphite
Soft and slippery
Good conductor of electricity
Used in pencils and electrodes
4.2 Amorphous Allotropes
Coal
Charcoal
Coke
Lamp black
5. Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen.
Types of Hydrocarbons
Saturated hydrocarbons (Alkanes)
Unsaturated hydrocarbons (Alkenes and Alkynes)
5.1 Saturated Hydrocarbons (Alkanes)
Contain single covalent bonds
General formula: C H
Example: Methane, Ethane, Propane
Properties
Less reactive
Burn with clean flame
5.2 Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Alkenes
Contain double bond
General formula: C H
Example: Ethene
Alkynes
Contain triple bond
General formula: C H
Example: Ethyne
6. Homologous Series
A homologous series is a group of organic compounds with:
Same functional group
Similar chemical properties
Gradual change in physical properties
Difference between successive members is –CH –group.
7. Functional Groups
A functional group is an atom or group of atoms which gives specific properties to an organic
compound.
Common Functional Groups
Functional Group Formula Example
Alcohol –OH Ethanol
Carboxylic acid –COOH Ethanoic acid
Aldehyde –CHO Ethanal
Ketone –CO– Propanone
8. Nomenclature of Carbon Compounds
The scientific naming of carbon compounds is done by IUPAC system.
Steps in IUPAC Naming
Select the longest carbon chain
Identify the functional group
Number the chain from the end nearest to the functional group
Name the substituents
Write the complete name
Example:
CH –CH –OH Ethanol
9. Ethanol
Preparation
Ethanol is prepared by fermentation of sugar using yeast.
Properties
Colourless liquid
Soluble in water
Burns with blue flame
Uses
As fuel
In medicines
In alcoholic beverages
10. Ethanoic Acid (Acetic Acid)
Properties
Sour taste
Turns blue litmus red
Miscible with water
Uses
Vinegar
Food preservation
Manufacture of plastics and dyes
11. Soaps and Detergents
Soaps
Soaps are sodium or potassium salts of long chain fatty acids.
Cleansing Action of Soap
Soap molecules have:
Hydrophobic tail (oil-loving)
Hydrophilic head (water-loving)
They form micelles which trap dirt and wash it away.
Detergents
Work in hard water
Used in shampoos and washing powders
12. Environmental Impact of Carbon Compounds
Excess use of fossil fuels causes air pollution
Carbon dioxide causes global warming
Plastics cause environmental hazards
13. Advantages and Disadvantages of Carbon Compounds
Advantages
Useful in daily life
Used in fuels, medicines, plastics
Disadvantages
Pollution
Non-biodegradable waste
14. Conclusion
Carbon compounds play a vital role in human life. Due to unique properties of carbon, a wide
variety of useful substances are formed. Proper use and disposal of carbon compounds is
necessary to protect the environment.
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